Finishing machine



J. A. BORGES FINISHING MACHINE Filed Dec.

Sept. 6, 1966 United States Patent O 3,270,634 FINISHHNG MACHINE J'ohn A. Borges, Oregon City, Greg., assignor of onethird to Henry Walder and one-third to Walter W. Kenworthy Filed Dec. 31, 1962, Ser. No. 248,448 4 Claims. (Cl. 94-45) This invention relates to finishing machines, and more particularly to machines or |apparatus that may be employed for finishing concrete and other materials to produce an even surface of desired contour thereover. At the present time, such finishing machines find extensive use in the construction of highways, particularly the bridges, overpasses, and ramps that are a part of a modern highway.

Highway specifications commonly require that completed work must be true to within a tolcrance of oneeighth of an inch in ten feet. If this tolerance is not maintained, high spots must be ground off and low spots must be puddled in. A feature of the machines of this invention is that they enable the production of even surfaces well within such a tolerance, using a relatively small work crew and in a short amount of time.

It has been common according to prior practices to finish concrete surfaces with scrapers, puddlers, vibrators, vibrat'or screens, etc. One method of finishing has comprised finishing parallel swaths extending longitudinally of the deck or other highway structure which is under construction. Using this and similar methods, difi'iculties have been encountered in providing the deck with a suitable crown along the center thereof, i.e., transverse camber. When making a deck that extends in a curve, providing the deck with the necessary superelevation on the outside portion of the curve has also been a problem. Using the apparatus of the invention, substantially any form of profile or superelevation may be produced in a concrete deck, and such may be done easily and with accuracy.

With some fonms of finishing apparatus, it is necessary to set stakes or posts in the concrete, which are removed, with the holes left on their removal then being filled in, upon completing the finishing operation. Such filling in of the holes is difiicult to do properly. One problem that .arises is that when the concrete sets or hardens, almost invariably a dimple or other irregularity appears where the filling took place. With the apparatus of this invention, such use of stakes or posts is eliminated.

An object of the invention, therefore, is to provide improved apparatus for finishing concrete and other surfaces, which is readily adapted to take care of crowns, superelevations, or other profiles desired in the surface.

Another object is to provide improved finishing apparatus which in use is operable to finish an entire transverse span of a section of deck or other structure, with such tran-sverse span having an even contour over the entire expanse thereof.

According to this invention, an elongated truss or framework is mounted in a position overlying the deck or other structure to be finished, with the truss extending transversely across the deck. Supporte-d on this truss, and extending along the length thereof, are tracks or guides which follow the transverse contour desired in the deck. A carriage is supported on these tracks, which is movable along the length thereof. Journaled on the carriage, with the axis thereof extending longitudinally of the deck and the bottom thereof paralleling the surface to be finished, is a frustoconic roller or finishing member. The finishing member is rotatable about the axis thereof, and is rotated under power. During use of the apparatus, the carriage is moved along its tracks and the finishing member is rotated with the bottom thereof fice moving across the surface to be finished in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the carriage travels over the surface. Ordinarily, plural passes With the finishing member may be made before a given area is finally completed. The truss is advanced in steps in the direction of the length of the deck, as successive areas of the 'deck are finished.

Thus, a more specific object of the invention is to provide improved finishing apparatus, including a finishing member or roller, where the roller in a finishing operation is moved in a pass extending transversely over the deck or other structure being finished, and the roller during such a pas-s is rotated under power in a direction whereby the bottom thereof moves into the concrete in a direction corresponding to the direction of the pass of the roller.

Another object is to provide a finishing 'machine which includes a rotatable frustoconic finishing member or roller as a traversing finishing agency therein, `with such member mounted so that the bottom thereof is pzaralllel to the surface to be finished and its aXis extends transversely of the path of the roller when it traverses over the surface to be finished. The finishing member in operation functions to work eXcess concrete away from that part of a surface which it has just traveled over, and forwardly toward the smaller diameter end of the member, which is toward unfinished portions of the concrete deck or other structure being worked upon.

A further object is to provide finishing apparatus which is relatively easily transported from one location to another. As already indicated, |an important use for the apparatus comprises the finishing of decks in ramps, bridges, and overpasses, and frequently these structures are completed before the road or highway that leads up thereto. The apparatus of the invention may be made up of relatively light members and parts, which may be disassembled and readily moved by a few men, and then put together to form a complete machine at the building site.

A still further object of the invention is to provide finishing apparatus readily adapted for use in finishing structures of varying widths. A single machine i-s easily changed to take care of decks ranging from 14 `feet in width to 50 feet in width.

These and other objects and advantages are attained by the invention, and the same is described hereinbelow in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of apparatus constructed according to an embodiment 'of the invention, illustrating an elongated truss or framework which extends across the width of the 'deck being finished with the apparatus in operative position, .and a carriage movable on tracks included in the truss;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, taken generally along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1, illustrating details of the carriage provided in the apparatus, and the mounting of a finishing member or roller which is journaled at the base of the carriage; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken generally along the line 3- 3 in PIG. 1, further illustrating the carriage and associated parts in the construction.

Referring now to the drawings, 10 indicates generally an elongated framework lor truss. When finishing 'a concrete deck, such is placed in a position overlying the deck, and spanning the width thereof (i.e., extcnd-ing transversely of the deck). In the drawings, the surface of the deck to 'be finished (such surface extending under the truss) is indicated at 12.

Framework or truss 10 includes a pair of 'oppositely disposed elongated channel members 14, 16 forming the sides of the structure. In FIG. 1, channel Sections 18, 20 -are shown detachably secured by nut-and-bolt -assemblies 22 to the end of channel members 14, 16. These channel Sections are included to extend the length of the truss. By removing the channel Sections, or by adding other 'sections, the over-all length of the truss may be changed to suit the width of the deck under construction. A truss Slightly longer than the width of the deck 'being finished is ordinarily used.

Interconnecting the ends of members 14, 16, at the left of the truss in FIG. 1, is a crossbeam or channel 24. A similar crossbeam 26 interconnects channel sections 18, 20 at the opposite end of the truss. The crossbeams are detachalbly secured in place by nut-and-bolt assemblies 28.

Journaled on the truss, adjacent opposite ends thereof, are flanged Wheels 30. The Wheels travel on truss-supporting rail or track members 32. The latter members are disposed 'along opposite sides of the deck being finished, with the members paralleling the length of the completed deck. The fl'anged Wheels accommodate for- Ward movement of the truss structure, in Steps, along the length of the deck, as successive portions 'of the deck are finished.

Movable to and fro along the length of truss 10, and disposed within the rectangular outline defined by the various channel members, channel Sections, and crossbeams described, is a carriage indicated generally at 36. The carniage includes a :frame 38, and a platform 40 mounted over the t'op of the frame.

Elongated carriage-supporting tracks or guides 42, 44 are supported on truss along the inner sides of channel Sections 18, 20 -and channel members 14, 16. As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, slotted brackets 46 are secured vto tracks 42, 44 at points spaced valong the lengths of the tracks. These 'brackets are adjustably fastened to the sides 'of the channel members and channel Sections by means of nut-and-bolt assemblies 48. The brackets, and nut-and-bolt assem'blies, accommodate shifting of the tracks up or down within the truss, when it is desired to change the elevation of the tracks, or to change the contour of the path they define for the carriage. The tracks have a degree of flexibility, which enables them to be bent 'to define a curved path for the carriage when the apparatus is used to finish a crowned deck or other structure having a `curved 'Outline in a transverse cross section thereof.

Carria-ge 36 is movably supported in the tracks by means of rollers 50 journaled at opposite ends of the carriage. Thus the tracks Support the carriage, with the carriage movable in a path which extends longitudinally of the truss Structure or transversely of the deck being finished.

Rotatably mounted adjacent the |base of the carriage is an elongated frustoconic finishing member or roller 56. The finishing member has Shaft extensions 58 extending out from the ends thereof along the longitudinal aXis of the member. These are journaled in |bearings 60, which are carried 'by adjustable hangers 62. Thus the finishing member is vertically shiftable with respect to the carriage.

In operation of the apparatus, the finishing member is rotated with the bottom surface thereof contacting the concrete which is being finished. This bottom surface, along the length of the finishing member, is parallel to the deck being finished, as shown in FIG. 3. Since the finishing member is frustoconic, and rotates about its longitudinal aXis, said longitudinal axis defines an acute angle with respect to the top of its deck, in a Vertical plane passing through the aXiS of the member. In a horizontal plane, the axis is substantially normal to tracks or guides 42, 44 (as best seen in FIG. 1), or normal to the path of travel of the carriage which is defined by these tracks or guides.

Mounted on platform 40 is a motor, such as the internal com'bustion engine shown at 66. `Power-transmitting means including a reversing transmission 68 with output shafts or means 6'9, and a belt '70, connects motor 66 to the finishing member whereby the finishing member is rotated under power by the motor. Reversing transmission '68 has forward, reverse, and neutral positions, and is shifted `from one to the other of these positions :by means of a Shift lever 72.

The roller or finishing member is moved in a pass over the surface being finished by movin-g carriage 36 mounting the finishing member along the length of truss 10. Movement of the carriage, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, is produced by means of a cable 32, which is trained over pulleys 84, 86 mounted at opposlte ends of the truss structure. A portion of the cable intermediate pulleys 84, 86 is wrapped around a pulley 88 fastened to one of the output shafts 60 of the reversing transmission. With this construction, upon operation of the motor, and with the reversing transmiss'ion in either forward or reverse positions, pulley 88 is rotated to move the carriage, either to the right or to the left in FIG. 1.

As zillustrated by lthe arrows vin FIG. 2, the roller or finishing member is rotated in a counterclockwise direction with the carriage moving to the right in FIG. 2. Rotation of the roller in the reverse direction takes place when the carriage is moved to the left. Thus, the bottom of the roller moves across the surface being finished in a direction which corresponds t'o the direction in which the carriage is travel-ing. Typically, the roller may be rotated at approximately r.p.m., so that the bottom surface thereof moves across the surface being finished at a speed which is .faster than the advancing speed of the carriage, which may :be about walking Speed or less.

Explaining now how the .apparatus operates and how it may be used to finish a section of deck, first the necessary forms are set up which define the side limits 'of the deck to 'be poured, and tracks 32 are laid with such tracks paralleling the length of the deck Iand outwardly 'of the sides thereof. With the forms up, the necessary concrete is poured, with such concrete covering the entire area 'between opposite Side margins of the deck. A slight overburden or excess of concrete is poured, which is removed by the finishing member or roller as will be described.

The truss is then positioned as shown in FIG. 1, with the truss overlying the concrete and extending transversely of the deck. With the motor Operating, carriage 36 is moved in a pass along the length of the truss, such causing the finishing member to traverse over the concrete of the deck, while rotating in the manner described. At the completion of a pass by the carriage, the truss is advanced a short distance along the length of the deck, by moving it in the direction in which the smaller diameter end of the roller is pointed. The distance which the truss is advanced 'in a typical case may be equal to approximately one-third the length of the finishing member. The carriage is then moved in another pass with the finishing member again traversing over the concrete. This process is repeated with the truss being moved forwardly by Steps, until all of the concrete has been finished. Using Such a method, |any given transverse swath of concrete is subjected to three passes by the finishing member before the finishing thereof is completed.

As the finishing member or roller traverses over the concrete, the bottom thereof moves against any excess concrete to push the same to one side of the roller and away from that area of the concrete which the roller has just traveled over. Because of the frustoconical Shape of the finishing member, excess concrete is also moved to- Ward the smaller diameter end of the finishing member, or forwardly toward unfinished portions of the deck under construction. The finishing member in the apparatus has been found to produce even surfaces well within the usual allowable tolerances. =On the second pass of the roller over a transverse swath of concrete, very little concrete is disturbed by the roller, and on the third pass substantially none is.

With the apparatus of the invention, finishing of large areas may be done rapidly before any setting of the concrete takes place. Accurately shaped crowns, or superelevations, along one side of a deck are easily produced. The machine is readily adjusted to change the shape of the profile produced by the finishing member, or to accommodate it to different widths of decks.

The apparatus may be disassembled easily, as by disconnecting the various channel Sections and removing the carriage, when it is necessary to transport the apparatus from one place to another. In its disassembled state, the parts thereof may be carried by a few men. This feature is a decided advantage in the building of structures which are outside of any access by roads or highways.

I claim:

1. In .apparatus for finishing an elongated concrete deck comprising:

an elongated framework proportioned to be positioned over a deck and extending transversely thereof, means whereby the framework may be advanced over the deck by moving the framework laterally, and elongated track means extending longitudinally of and supported on said framework, the improvement comprising:

a rotatable finishing member of frustoconic form, rotatable means journaling said finishing member with the member rotatable about its axis and with said axis disposed above said deck and extending transversely of said track means, said means journaling the finishing member being supported on said track means for movement in either of opposite directions along a path paralleling said track means, and power means for rotating said finishing member in either of opposite directions.

2. A surface-finishing apparatus comprising:

a frame adapted to be supported over the surface to be finished,

a carriage,

guide means on said frame supporting said carriage for travel to and fro in a path extending along said frame,

a frustoconic finishing member journaled on said carriage for rotation about'the center axis thereof, said finishing member being mounted on said carriage with the bottom thereof horizontal and protruding below said frame and with the axis thereof extending transversely of the path of travel of said carriage, a motor mounted on said carriage, and

power-operated drive means connected to said finishing member to rotate the finishing member,

said last-mentioned means including means whereby the direction in which said finishing member is rotated may be reversed.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said power-operated drivemeans comprises an internal combustion engine mounted on said carriage, a reversing transmission mounted on said carriage operatively connected to said engine and having reversible and rotatable power-output means, and means connecting said power-output means to said finishing member for rotating said finishing member, and which further includes means interconnecting said power-output means and said frame whereby with said power-output means rotated in one direction the carriage is moved in one direction over said frame, and with the power-output means rotated in the opposite direction the carriage is moved in the opposite direction over said frame.

4. In apparatus for finishing an elongated surface, said apparatus including a frame, a carriage movable to and fro on said frame in a path extending transversely of said surface, and power means whereby the frame may be advanced in steps longitudinally of said surface, a frustoconic finishing member journaled on said carriage with the aXis thereof extending longitudinally of the surface to be finished and substantially perpendcular to the path of movement of the carriage, the lowermost peripheral portion of said frustoconic finishing member lying substantially in a horizontal plane.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,550,027' 8/1925 I-Iwg 94-45 1,629,276 `5/1927 Kipp 94-48 1,683,382 9/1928 Carr 94-50 1,874,957 8/1932 Gardiner 94-45 2,252,188 8/1941 Krehbiel 94-45 2,587,321 2/1952 Hohnke 94-45 2,691,9`27 10/1954 Denton 94-50 JACOB L. NACKENOFF, Primary Examiner.

HENRY C. SUTHERLAND, CHARLES E. O'CON- NELL, Examiners.

N. C. BYERS, Assistant Examner. 

1. IN APPARATUS FOR FINISHING AN ELONGATED CONCRETE DECK COMPRISING: AN ELONGATED FRAMEWORK PROPORTIONED TO BE POSITIONED OVER A DECK AND EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY THEREOF, MEANS WHEREBY THE FRAMEWORK MAY BE ADVANCED OVER THE DECK BY MOVING THE FRAMEWORK MAY BE ADVANCED OVER ELONGATED TRACK MEANS EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY OF AND SUPPORTED ON SAID FRAMEWORK, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING: A ROTATABLE FINISHING MEMBER OF FRUSTOCONIC FORM, ROTATABLE MEANS JOURNALLING SAID FINISHING MEMBER WITH THE MEMBER ROTATABLE ABOUT ITS AXIS AND WITH SAID AXIS DISPOSED ABOVE SAID DECK AND EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OF SAID TRACK MEANS, SAID MEANS JOURNALLING THE FINISHING MEMBER BEING SUPPORTED ON SAID TRACK MEANS FOR MOVEMENT IN EITHER OF OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS ALONG A PATH PARALLELING SAID TRACK MEANS, AND POWER MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID FINISHING MEMBER IN EITHER OF OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. 